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Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Aviation > Lessons from the Sky: Midair Collisions and Aviation Safety
AviationIncidents & Accidents

Lessons from the Sky: Midair Collisions and Aviation Safety

Lauren James
Last updated: 1 February 2025 00:12
By Lauren James 3 Min Read
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Wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Wreckage from the midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. © AP
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Midair collisions are the rarest and most fatal type of accident in aviation. Modern air traffic control and technology have made them much less likely to happen, but history has shown that a split second mistake can be fatal. The midair collision between a commercial plane and a U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 30, 2025 was a stark reminder that midair collisions can still happen. For now, investigations are ongoing, but already, it’s raised questions about aviation safety.

Emergency alert signs displayed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 30, 2025.
Signs display an “Emergency Alert” at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 30, 2025 © AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Midair Collisions That Changed Aviation Safety

Midair collisions leave a lasting impact on aviation and often lead to big changes in aviation safety. But how have these events shaped air travel? And what’s in place to stop them happening again?

One of the biggest midair disasters was over Los Angeles in 1986. An Aeroméxico Flight 498 collided with a private plane, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee, and both planes fell into a residential area. Everyone on board and several people on the ground were killed. The tragedy led to one of the biggest safety advancements in aviation: the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).

TCAS allows planes to “talk” to each other, warning pilots if another plane is too close. If a collision is detected the system gives a command – to climb or descend – to prevent a disaster. Today, every commercial aircraft has TCAS.

Unfortunately, history has shown not following TCAS instructions can be fatal. In 2002, a Bashkirian Airlines flight collided with a DHL cargo plane over Germany because the pilot followed ATC’s instructions instead of TCAS. 71 lives were lost.

As a result, TCAS rules were changed—pilots must now always follow TCAS commands, even if they contradicts ATC instructions.

Firefighters at scene of Aeroméxico Flight 498 crash
Firefighters at scene of Aeroméxico Flight 498 crash, 31 August 1986 © Paul Chinn/Herald-Examiner Photo Collection, Los Angeles Public Library

What’s Next for Midair Collision Prevention?

While TCAS has reduced midair collisions, air traffic is growing and new risks like drone interference are emerging. In response, aviation experts are working on AI driven air traffic control systems, real-time satellite tracking and automated collision avoidance.

Do you think technology alone is enough to prevent future collisions, or is human oversight still essential? Let us know your thoughts!

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Lauren James
By Lauren James
I’m a journalism intern at Travel Radar, passionate about writing engaging stories and learning more about the world of travel and aviation. With a background in charity fundraising, marketing, and communications, I’m experienced in creating content that connects with audiences.
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Forex daily news
Forex daily news
4 months ago

Your blog post was a much-needed reminder to slow down and appreciate the little things in life. Thank you for the dose of positivity!

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Davonte Aut
Davonte Aut
4 months ago

Your blog post was like a crash course in aviation. I feel like I learned more in five minutes than I have in months of studying.

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